Common Injuries Among Healthcare Workers
According to the CDC, the healthcare sector employs more than 18 million workers. Despite studies proving that hospitals are among the most unsafe and dangerous places to work, healthcare professionals continue to serve humanity. Healthcare professionals work in some of the most challenging situations, which expose them to unique risks and dangers all the time. Although it is possible to prevent or reduce the hazards that healthcare professionals face while working, injuries among healthcare workers continue to happen. It is estimated that 653,000 healthcare workers suffer injuries on the job every year. Cases of work-related injuries among healthcare workers are among the highest of any industry sector. This article discusses some of the most common injuries among nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Most Common Injuries Among Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals
The following are some of the most common injuries among nurses and other healthcare professionals;
Overexertion and Bodily Reaction Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion, and bodily reaction is the most prevalent event leading to work-related injuries among nurses. In a single year, overexertion injuries can account for almost half of all injuries within the occupation. Overexertion and bodily reaction injuries occur due to repetitive motions, excessive physical effort, twisting, lifting, and bending. These things can result in disorders of the nerves, muscles, joints, tendons, spinal discs, and cartilage. For example, often, healthcare professionals suffer strains, sprains, or back injuries after lifting patients.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
Healthcare workers are always on the move. Healthcare workers are at risk of suffering slip, trip, and fall injuries due to several hazards. Hazards that can result in slip, trip, and fall injuries among healthcare workers include wet floors and loose cords, wires, or hoses. Examples of slip, trip, and fall injuries that healthcare professionals suffer on the job include bruises, sprained ankles, facial lacerations, back injuries, neck injuries, and head injuries.
Injuries Caused by Violence
Hospitals often house patients who can have violent outbursts that can result in injuries among caregivers. Distraught family members, intruders, and colleagues can also attack healthcare workers.
Needle Sticks and Equipment Injuries
Because of the amount of needles healthcare workers use every day, they are at high risk of suffering cuts and puncture wounds because of needles. Needles can also result in blood-borne diseases like HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B or C. Healthcare professionals can also suffer injuries when they collide or run into equipment.
Transportation Injuries
A healthcare worker can suffer an injury when transporting a patient from one room to another. Examples of risks healthcare workers face when transporting patients include falls and pressure sores.
Injuries Caused by Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Healthcare workers are exposed to harmful substances and environments every day. Chemicals, medications, sterilants, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds are just a few of the dangerous substances that can cause injuries and illnesses among healthcare workers.
Contact Sluka Law After an Injury on the Job
If you’ve suffered an injury while working as a healthcare worker in Vermont, contact a skilled and dedicated Vermont healthcare workers’ compensation lawyer at Sluka Law PLC to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
bls.gov/opub/mlr/2018/article/occupational-injuries-and-illnesses-among-registered-nurses.htm
